St. Vincent Elementary School

I'm sorry if someone had a bad experience. I have nothing but positive comments for the teachers, staff and especially the principal. The person who said the math is easier than other schools is incorrect. Academic standards here are high and expectations for good conduct are also high. These kids know how to speak respectfully to adults and to each other, and they are learning study skills that other students admire and ask for help with once they are meeting out in other high schools. Come see for yourself. This is one of the best kept secrets in Petaluma. Don't you sort of wonder about someone who would publicly bad mouth any organization? What a shame. St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School is a great place to be!
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have had a wonderful experience at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School. I feel so blessed knowing my kids are happy, safe and getting the best education in Petaluma. The teachers encourage them to be good people and care about others. You should go on a tour and see how kind the kids are to each other and to the adults- it's pretty neat.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has the same curriculum in elementary as public school. However the math is higher in the public. So if you want your child in 7th to do lower math than stick with saint vincent's.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great! Academics are excellent and our child is thriving and happy. It is a Catholic School, so there is an emphasis on religion, which teaches placing others before yourself. Being a non Catholic, I was initially a little hesitant (the nuns are gone), and have found it a wonderful community of parents, teachers and students. I have found the faculty professional and warm. The kindergarten building is practically brand new with a library, music room and new computer lab. There are full time certified teaching aids which greatly reduces the student to teacher ratio. Kids are broken out into learning levels by subject and the high academic standards prepare the kids for the St. Vincent High School (which places most of their kids into four year colleges). But, if your child has problems with following direction and needs a lot of attention, this may not be the place.
--Submitted by a parent

We do not recommend this school. They are overly rigid and staff is cold and distant especially the Principal. We left as have many families due to unrealistic expectations of the students. They have ZERO flexibility and are not equipped to handle students in a positive approach. Our house is so much happier and less stressful now that we are gone and we even had straight A students. Please use caution when considering this school. Many families have left.

If your child is a high achiever and rule-based, St. Vincent's would be a great place for them. We've had kids at the school for a few years and although we have met some great families, it hasn't been easy. The homework seems excessive and the expectations on the children are very high (even as early as kindergarten). Also, since SVES is private and therefore make their own rules, they can be inflexible. Thankfully we live in a great school district and have many highly rated schools in our area.
--Submitted by a parent

We struggled initially with our decision to attend St.Vincent Elementary School because we are known to live within a highly rated Petaluma School District. It is now our second year in attendance at St. Vincent Elementary School and we have clearly made an excellent decision for our family. We are experiencing top level academia through St. Vincent's, enjoying the community of exceptional families that has developed into lifelong friendships and participate in many extracurricular activities that are exceptionally planned. Movie Nights, Carnivals, Bowling Parties, Spirit Days..our First Grade Son stated it best,'I love my school because I get to get smart and have fun'. If you are searching for a structured school where the children develop strong character, where ethics and academics are focused on greatly, then you have found the best school around. We have no regrets and we proudly state that we love St. Vincent Elementary School!
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the first Kindergarten that SVES has had in years. They have done some things well but they don't get that there is a huge difference between K and 1st grade. These Kindergarten children do not 'get' all the rules and regulations. The children seem to be OK with it but it remains very stressful for the parents. Overall though I am pleased with the academics.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended St. Vincent's 1st-7th so far. Their curriculum has been excellent. The teachers are caring, and on many occasions they have helped me with a bad habit that would't go away. I can always communicate with them. Their homework load is 1+ hr almost every eve, plus 2+ hr many weekends. I don't mind--he's learning more. The discipline is exceptional, promoting kindness and caring, respect for others. I would recommend this school to anyone. The cost is actually minimal, and the quality of the children is exceptional. I feel that the controlled atmosphere and exceptionally kind teachers, children and parents allow my son to relax and learn.
--Submitted by a parent